Ryan Tannehill’s draft night will be intriguing. So will his NFL career.

Nobody near the top of the draft board is sparking debate like Tannehill, who made just 19 starts at quarterback for Texas A&M. That’s not a large body of work for interested teams to evaluate. Yet, Tannehill could be a top 10 pick, even as high as No. 4 to the Browns. Or Tannehill could fall out of the top 10 altogether if the Dolphins pass on him at No. 8.

Is Tannehill a future franchise quarterback, a gem for the team bold enough to take him? Or is Tannehill being overrated, largely because NFL teams lust for quarterbacks?

"If you take him at face value today with 19 starts, he shouldn’t be a top 10 pick," said NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock. "He’s got a lot of potential. I love the kid. I love his work ethic. But he shouldn’t be a top 10 pick. Maybe not a top 15 or 20 pick. But in today’s NFL there’s a good chance he will be.

"He’s a boom or bust, franchise guy."

Here’s why Tannehill is tempting. He has impressive size (6-foot-4, 221 pounds) and smarts, a biology major who plans to be an orthopedic surgeon after his NFL career. Tannehill ran a pro-style, West Coast offense under Mike Sherman, a former NFL head coach who is now the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator. And Tannehill has mobility, athletic enough to play wide receiver during his first two seasons at Texas A&M.

However, Tannehill’s lack of experience as a starting quarterback could make it difficult for him to have instant impact.

"Do you like him now, or do you like him three years down the road?" said ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper. "If you think he’s going to beat out (Browns quarterback) Colt McCoy this year and be able to lead them to victories, I think that would be a tremendous upset."

Where Tannehill goes will have a domino effect, causing other players either to rise or fall. The Dolphins are Tannehill’s most likely destination. But here’s a closer look at why Tannehill is a draft night X-factor:

Browns: No. 4

Why Tannehill makes sense: McCoy has not proven he is franchise quarterback material.

Why Tannehill doesn’t make sense: The Browns have gone four straight seasons with no more than five wins. They can’t miss on this pick, and they can’t afford to wait for Tannehill to develop. Taking either Alabama running back Trent Richardson or Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon would give the Browns a much-needed offensive weapon.

What they should do: Take Richardson. Pass on Tannehill.

Dolphins, No. 8

Why Tannehill makes sense: After missing out on Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn, the Dolphins need Tannehill more than any team.

Why Tannehill doesn’t make sense: The Dolphins shouldn’t take Tannehill if they don’t believe he will develop into a top quarterback. Sherman should have the inside scoop having coached Tannehill in college. If the Dolphins want Tannehill, they have to make sure they get him, even if it means trading up. If the Dolphins pass on Tannehill, they had better be right.

"If the Dolphins believe he is a franchise quarterback, they have to either take him at eight, or make sure they get him," Mayock said. "That’s the most important delineation in that building. If we need to get him, let’s go get him."

What they should do: Take Tannehill. The Dolphins have had quarterback issues since Dan Marino retired. Enough is enough.

Chiefs, No. 11

Why Tannehill doesn’t make sense: The Chiefs have other needs, and a potential starter like Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly might be available.

What they should do: If Tannehill is still there at No. 11, take him. But don’t trade up for him.

Seahawks, No. 12

Why Tannehill makes sense: Tannehill would not have to be rushed into a starting role with the Seahawks. But if Flynn isn’t the real deal, and Tarvaris Jackson does not improve, Tannehill would give Pete Carroll another quarterback to develop.

Why Tannehill doesn’t make sense: The Seahawks went out and got Flynn. Now they need to play him, and use the 12th pick on a potential starter like defensive end Quinton Coples of North Carolina, guard David DeCastro of Stanford or defensive end Melvin Ingram of South Carolina.

What they should do: If Tannehill falls this far, the buyer should beware. The Seahawks don’t need Tannehill. They shouldn’t take him, but he’ll probably already be gone.